ITA II expected to be rolled out in Bali
Leaders of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) are scheduled to announce the second stage of the Information Technology Products (ITA) declaration this December, which would further boost Thailand's growing IT export industry.
Somkiat Triratpan, deputy director-general to the Trade Negotiations Department, said WTO member states would propose that their leaders sign phase two (ITA II) of the Ministerial Declaration on Trade in Information Technology Products, during the WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia, this December.
“The agreement, which will bring into effect a zero tariff on an agreed list of additional IT products for export, will increase trade opportunities for Thailand – enabling us to more easily penetrate the markets of other WTO countries,” he explained.
The Ministerial Declaration on Trade in Information Technology Products was concluded at the WTO’s first Ministerial Conference in Singapore in December 1996. Original participants in the ITA declaration eliminated tariffs as of January 1, 2000, on a wide range of IT products.
Since then, the number of ITA participants has grown to 44 participants, covering 71 members and states, or separate customs territories, representing approximately 97 per cent of the world trade in IT products. Under the ITA declaration, members have agreed to completely eliminate duties on 190 products.
ITA II would see that list of products increased to include an even broader range of items that could be exported to countries with a zero tariff to be paid.
Member countries are positive that ITA II will be signed in Bali as the majority of countries, including China – one of the world’s largest IT production bases – are in agreement that the declaration should be expanded.
Under ITA a wide range of IT products are covered, including computers and computer peripheral equipment; electronic components including semiconductors; computer software; telecommunications equipment; semiconductor manufacturing equipment; and computer-based analytical instruments.
Products that are under negotiation for ITA II include televisions; MP3 players; game controllers; web cameras; global positioning system equipment; thermoplastics and prisms.
In addition to expanding the base of IT products with zero tariffs, WTO member states are expected to discuss non-tariff barriers (NTBs) relating to other IT items.
Other issues that are also likely to be discussed in Bali by member states include the liberation of agricultural products – in particular the abolishment of government subsidies.
